You Are So Busy...How Do You Have Time To Blog?

You are so busy...how do you have time to blog?  My answer: "maybe I am so busy because I make time to blog."

"ActiveRain is a place where real estate professionals can network with their peers and discuss industry insider topics. It is also a public forum where consumers can pull back the curtain and see what the real estate industry is really about."

Last year I sold one of my listings and the represented buyers started following my blog.  They came to one of my open houses and invited me to their open house..all through ActiveRain. Again  We tried to get their agent involved in ActiveRain. I talked about the benefits, about the business opportunity and offered to get her set up with some private sessions. I encouraged her to post her clients home for sale.

Being a dual career agent, her time was limited and she did not want to engage and never took me up on my invitation to join.

Her clients  continued following my daily posts and frequently commented. They tried to convince her to blog. It one of the first times that I've seen the public encourage blogging.
 
After seven months, I received  an email through my ActiveRain  account. These same people had already  terminated the listing and asked me if I would consider representing them. They knew I would not discuss their home while still listed with their friend and agent.


You are so busy...how do you have time to blog? My answer: maybe I am so busy because I make time to blog.       

What Is The Only Good Thing About a Spamming Comment?

What is the Only Good Thing About a Spamming Comment?

                                          

 You may wonder if anything is good about a spamming comment. Occasionally there is a "bad" comment or a blatant commercial on an old post. The good thing ...it brings that former post back to life. It may be a post you had forgotten about. It gives you a chance to revisit.

It is actually fun to go back and read some older posts... a kind of reminiscing.  An advertisement brought me back to one  of my favorite  posts...My Best Close Ever and Forever 

                                 Spam Can Be Positive. And now you see how.

  

How to keep your pet safe. Did you know? The following can be toxic to pets: chocolate, raisins, grapes, some nuts like macadamia, garlic, onion, alcohol, coffee and other caffein drinks, bread dough, and  candy and gum containing artificial sweeteners
Dangerous Foods New Treats and Toys Did you know? Even a pet-safe treat can cause stomach upset if it is new to your pet. Offer only one of these at a time (ideally, separated by a few days). If your pet becomes ill after eating a holiday treat, it will be easier to trace the source and discontinue it. Also, check new toys for sharp edges, pieces that can be chewed off, or other potential hazards. Plants Did you know? Hazardous plants include some evergreens (some types of pine), and holly bushes and berries. Try to keep these plants away from pets, or at least supervise pets when dangerous plants are nearby. Fire and Carbon Monoxide Did you know? Fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, candles, and portable heaters are a danger to your pets. Of course you did. Also, don't forget to check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are functioning properly. Furnaces, and idling cars (in a garage) can increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in pets and humans.  Please Keep Your Pets Safe!

10 reasons to live in Colonial Village and the Perfect Home Located at 7014 Deerfield Rd

10 reasons to live in Colonial Village and the perfect home located at 

7014 Deerfield Road in Pikesville, MD 21208.                                                       

                                    

This Colonial Village home at 7014 Deerfield is a wonderful Brick home with a two story addition.

There have been numerous updates in the last five years including the roof, hot water heater, the furnace with  3 zone heating, central air, all wood floors, level back yard with privacy fence, large shed and a first floor laundry room.

Another den (or bedroom) on the main level, a half bath, plus a large living room with fireplace and separate dining room make this a very livable home. There is also a huge master bedroom and bath plus 2 walk in closets

This finished lower level space has easy to care for laminate flooring, a workshop,  updated electric, extra utility sink, outside entrance and half bath. Does this  Sound like the making of a "mancave"?

10 reasons to live in Colonial Village.

1.      Colonial Village is in Pikesville close to  shopping and numerous grocery stores including the Gucci Giant, Rite Aid, Target, and soon... a new Walgreens.

2.      Colonial Village is in Baltimore County with Pikesville High School

3.      Colonial Village has easy access to Baltimore Beltway 695 and I 83 to get to downtown Baltimore.

4.Colonial Village is close to many favorite restaurants like Mari Luna and Suburban House both have great food.    anda place for ActiveRain gatherings.

5.  Colonial Village is only minutes to the Subway

6.      Colonial Village is mostly colonial homes...thus the name.

7.      Colonial Village is a pocket area of affordable single family homes.

8.      Colonial Village is mainly comprised of one way streets, sidewalks and trees.

9.      Colonial Village has an annual dumpster day, Halloween festivities, fourth of July parade.

10.  Colonial Village has an active neighborhood association, close to the school's playground and very friendly neighbors.

                  

Colonial Village has the perfect home located at

  7014 Deerfield Rd in Pikesville, MD 21208.                            

 

       

             


                                           

 7014 Deerfield Rd. Pikesville, MD. 21208 Colonial Village 

Should we wait until spring to put the house on the market?

Should we wait until spring to put the house on the market?

Nope. Not if your sellers have photos plus a Baltimore Sunpaper article  written in 2006.

The best sellers are mine! I love partnering to get my homes sold. Interviewing the owners, during a listing appointment or a brainstorming session after the home is on the market, can produce new ideas like....

Promoting Baltimore County's Newest Historic District ...Fieldstone  or highlighting the 10 Reasons to Live at 8930 Church Lane 21133 Baltimore, MD

Baltimore winters are not an ideal time to show off  the magnificence of landscaping, ponds and gardens. So the question is:

Should we wait until spring to put the house on the market? Nope!

Not if your sellers have a Baltimore Sunpaper article  written in 2006.

===========================================================

''Officer and a gardener  By NANCY TAYLOR ROBSON/SPECIAL TO THE SUN

IT'S EASY TO TELL WHICH home in the historic Fieldstone community of Randallstown belongs to master gardener Jimmy Waites. Inside his shaded front lawn, hemmed in by mixed viburnum, two huge maples are ringed with hostas. Wooden trellises spaced along one edge of the property frame weigela, Leatherleaf Mahonia (Mahonia bealei) and azalea. Opposite, a meandering bed of shade-lovers leads you up the driveway to an iron arch at the front walk that is covered with rose-and-blond-bloomed honeysuckle "Gold Flame" (Lonicera x heckrottii). A few scarlet salvias highlight a curve along the drive.

Waites appreciates symbolism, but is more interested in what gardens offer the senses, including the ear. He loves the sound of water and has several fountains burbling quietly throughout the space. He has also hidden a speaker and plays -- very softly -- bird-call tapes (Canada geese for example) to add to the lively conversations among the many songbirds that live there.

Not surprisingly, his property is a certified wildlife habitat. Bullfrogs "gullump" in his pond. Hummingbirds zip through the red bee balm (Monarda didyma cardinalis). His butterfly bush (Buddleia) arbor draws hundreds of butterflies that land on him when he walks through. There are squirrels and rabbits and chipmunks.  "I once looked out and there was a red fox lying down by the koi pond," he says.

But the quarter-acre garden isn't just for critters. He places focal points -- statuary, ornaments, urns, gates -- to lead visitors through every portion of this mini-wonderland. The garden is a flowing series of "rooms," each with its own spot from which to admire the view.'' 

================================================================================

                                                         Or Photos like these

       
      
 Landscaped using lots of color, walkways, statues and a variety of plantings.


                     
Attention to detail with stones framing the garden beds.            
This property is a certified wildlife habitat.



Should we wait until spring to put the house on the market?

  Now you can buy this home and enjoy the full beauty of Baltimore's spring.

When would you like to tour 8930 Church Lane 21133 in Baltimore County's Fieldstone Community?

10 Reasons to Live at 8930 Church Lane 21133 Baltimore, MD

  10 Reasons to Live at 8930 Church Lane 21133 Baltimore, MD

================================================================================

   10                            Fieldstone is Baltimore's Newest  Historic Community

                                      


===================================================================================

 9

Walking distance to CCBC...just 1/2 mile.

    Community College of  Baltimore County CCBC
 ===========================================================================================

8

Olive Garden Good Italian Food

===========================================================================================

7

  Like to shop? You will be able to walk to the new SuperWalmart (2013)!

                          
========================================================================================

6

 Like to hike? Soldiers Delight Park is less than 3 miles away.

                         .
=============================================================================================

 5

Like to swim? YMCA's Aquatic Club is less than a mile away.

                        
============================================================================================

4

Like sports? Raven's Training Camp is less than 5 miles away

                         
============================================================================================

3

Easy access to Baltimore Beltway 695 only 3 miles.

                            
================================================================================================

2

Light Rail is four miles away.

                           
============================================================================================

1

And the best reason ....This beautiful four level brick colonial with the perfect back yard is located at 8930 Church Lane 21133. When would you like to move in?

      

Baltimore County's Newest Historic District ...Fieldstone

Baltimore County's Newest Historic District ...Fieldstone.

8930 Church Lane

Historic Fieldstone

Randallstown, MD 21133

                                             
                                               

                   All Brick Colonial on half acre lot.

                                             
                                                                     

               Master Bedroom with gleaming oak floors.

                                             
                                                           

 Separate Dining Room is spacious enough for a piano.

                                             
                                                      

 Bright and relaxing Sun Room adds enjoyment year round.

                                               
                                                   

 Versatile Lower level with full bath and separate entrance to garage.

Watch for more photos and information on 8930 Church Lane 21133

Realtor®Mag Quotes Cheryl Ritchie.

                                   Realtor®Mag Quotes Cheryl Ritchie.

 An article, written by Michael Antoniak, in Realtor®Mag quotes our own Cheryl Ritchie.

This techie guru is always working on real estate solutions using  her PC, iPad and iPhone. Cheryl has unbelievable patience to learn, test and then share her knowledge with others.  Congratulations, Cheryl, on getting some well deserved publicity.

                                                                

 

Strategic Efficiency: It’s Waiting in the Cloud

 

 

 

 Quoted by Cheryl:

"Cheryl Ritchie, ABR, CRS – associate broker – RE/MAX 100 – Dunkirk, Md.

Cheryl Ritchie leaned heavily on Apple Tech Support to upgrade her Mobile Me account to the iCloud service and make it fully functional on her iPad, iPhone, and PC. (Read her recent blog post about this.) Utilizing iCloud will ensure work documents and photos are synced on whatever hardware she’s using.

That’s just one component of her cloud strategy. Ritchie also uses Evernote for saving Web clippings, creating to-do lists, and managing projects. “It’s almost replaced Word for me,” she says.

Ritchie’s Dropbox account allows her to organize and share files; DocuSign handles contract signings, and she’s been beta-testing the latest version of Top Producer, which she’ll rely on for contact management. Once she adds QuickBooks to her cloud, she says she’ll have everything she needs.

“The real benefit of working in the cloud is how it sets you free as an agent,” Richie says. “In the past we were confined to a desk in a brick-and-mortar office. Now, with these cloud services, I can be anywhere and have whatever I need on whatever device I am using. It just makes me more efficient. I am finally truly mobile.”..''

 Realtor®Mag Quotes Cheryl Ritchie.

Fieldstone Historic Community in Randallstown, Maryland 21133

* Fieldstone Historic Section  in  Randalllstown, Maryland

 Fieldstone is a community  of about 80 homes situated in the heart of Randallstown, Maryland 21133. This historic area lies in the Liberty Road Corridor with streets Including Church Lane, McDonogh Road, Blair Road, and Greens Lane.

---

---

The Fieldstone Community dates back to 1891. In 2001 the older section of Fieldstone was designated a Baltimore County Historic District. Today the Fieldstone Community (both Historic and newer section of Fieldstone) is comprised of stately old stone homes, brick capes, colonials and ranchers, as well as some modern construction.

Just a few months ago, I sold a special stone rancher in this area at

  8820 Greens Lane 21133

                                     
 

Start looking for  another HomeRome listing. This time a 4 level brick colonial on a landscaped 1/2 acre lot with a one car garage and fabulous gardens.

                                        

Good Service versus Good Intentions.

                             Good Service Versus Good Intentions.

Today While waiting to get a quick car wash, there was small lounge set up with a coffee station and all the fixings. This is a really nice touch but...take a look. The coffee pot is plugged in but no coffee, it was in disarray, dirty and not the least bit appealing.

       There is a big difference between Good Service and Good Intentions!

                               
                                                

          There is a big difference between Good Service and Good Intentions!                                             

Which Do you Provide?

Women's Council of Realtors® Baltimore Chapter Met Today

Women's Council of Realtors® Baltimore Chapter Met Today.

Today at the Radisson Hotel in Cross Keys, the Greater Baltimore Chapter WCR had a Meeting.

What a deal... networking, a full course  luncheon and a speaker all for fifteen dollars?

And one lucky member won a year of free dues for 2012.

Our new president is Linda Dieter and we wish her much success.

Are you a member of Women's Council of Realtors®?

Did you know membership is open to both men and women?

                                                                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

         Women's Council of Realtors® Baltimore Chapter Met Today

The Residential Specialist..CRS Page 10!

Two months ago, I received this email:

"Hi, Just got your name from my editor at The Residential Specialist.....Got time to talk this week?..." My response, "I am available tonight."

Thank you Dan Tynan for the email, the phone call and the article in the CRS magazine.

For the results of that email and the follow up interview....check out page 10 of the latest edition of The Residential Specialist.

My copy arrived today. 

                                         
                                                                                          
 

An Invitation is a Gift ...Who Has Accepted Yours?

  An Invitation is a Gift...Who Has Accepted Yours?

It was ten years ago when Gail Harris and I became friends. It was Gail's participation in ActiveRain that has kept our friendship intact. There are numerous posts about the two of us...too many to list. Should you want to read more...just search our two names together.

                                                                        
                                                  

This was my latest post about Gail.   

This is my favorite post showing what we worry about.  

and another one about about reaching a milestone.

And another about our  get together  in Chesapeake Beach.

Here's one that I wrote when Gail Hit a 100,000 Points!!

And one that Gail wrote  about me.

Here's a reblog by Gail  Understanding the Type E Personality

There are numerous posts about the two of us...too many to list. Should you want to read more...just search our two names together.

An Invitation is a Gift...Who Has Accepted Yours?

Not a Big Win But....A Win is a Win is a Win! Go Ravens

 Final Score 20-13.   Not a Big Win But....A Win is a Win is a Win!  Go Ravens!

 

This is what greeted me at the gym first thing this morning. After my workout, I went to the car to get my camera. With this photo, one does not need many words. At least not in my town.

Everyone in Baltimore knows what purple balloons mean. The Ravens Win.. final score Sunday 20-17. It was not a big win but a win is a win is a win.

                                                  Go Ravens!!

                 
       
                                    

    Final Score 20-13.   Not a Big Win But....A Win is a Win is a Win!  Go Ravens

Greencroft...an Exclusive Hunt Valley Neighborhood and a New Listing Coming Soon!

 Greencroft...an Exclusive Hunt Valley Neighborhood and a new listing coming soon!

 
                                                   

Greencroft  is known as the destination neighborhood for the affluent and remains one of the most beautiful areas in Hunt Valley. 

The open spaces and homes on about  2 acre lots.. envelop passersby and residents in pure luxury.

Take a tour of Greencroft’s most sought-after street, Clipping Tree Lane and one of only  88 homes in this exclusive neighborhood. Rarely available...but there is a very special home coming on the market soon. It is my latest and now favorite new listing.  Please stay tuned.

                                                        

 

This serene community is filled with friendly neighbors and activities for children and adults. There is tons of open space, a children's play group, a women's club, a community pool... all this for a modest  $1400 a year association dues.

One of Hunt Valley's  most popular neighborhoods with only  88 homes making up this Greencroft  community.  These custom homes are  built on large wooded lots with gorgeous landscaping.

Drive around the tree-lined winding roads in this  lovely community to see that  Greencroft  is no cookie-cutter community..no Clone-onials here.

What's a Clone-onial 

From traditional to English Tudor to Contemporary,  custom homes in this subdivision vary on the exteriors as much as the interiors.   

This exclusive community of 88 homes is located minutes from I-695, 83, Hunt Valley Mall, Wegmans, Hayfields Country Golf Club and you could walk to the Oregon Grill, but please don't try  it in high heels.

Right around the corner from Oregon Ridge where the First Kilometers For Kids was held last year.  HomeRome will be sponsoring this event again and proceeds will go to Johns Hopkins.

 

Rarely available... there is a very special home coming on the market. It is my latest and now favorite new listing.  Please stay tuned.

 Greencroft...an Exclusive Hunt Valley Neighborhood and a new listing coming soon!

Can I Be Honest With You? Nah... Lie Like You Usually Do!

  Can I Be Honest With You? Nah... Lie Like You Usually Do!

When someone says,   Trust Me, Let Me Tell You the Truth or Can I Be Honest With You? my reaction:    What have you been doing up until now?

Professing honesty or integrity does not make it so.

                                            

When thinking about truth and real estate, I am remembering this situation.

"Jane" called asking for help with the sale of  her contemporary  home. It was a property that I was quite familiar. You see I was the listing agent when "Jane" purchased.  Why didn't "Jane" call her buyer agent?  "Jane" said  it was evident that I was working for the seller and she wanted that kind of strong representation.

During the routine interview questions,  'Why are you  moving? How much do you owe?'  'Jane' told me that she needed to get the maximum for the house and I did not need know any of this information.   One of her statements caught me  off guard.

"I don't trust anyone!"  When that statement was made a second time,  I closed my folder, gathered my things and stood up. She acted a bit surprised. I thanked her for her time. 

When someone does not trust others, I find them not to be trustworthy. That was the best listing that I did not take!

When representing a client, trust is not taken lightly. It is what Real Estate is built on. If I tell you something, I will put it in writing but I will never say these words....Trust Me, To Tell You the Truth or Can I Be Honest With You?

So to be totally honest... I have to say...

''This post is a submission to the ActiveRain / Adobe EchoSign Trust Contest. I could possibly win a prize. You can find out about the contest by clicking here''

When someone says,   Trust Me, Let Me Tell You the Truth or Can I Be Honest With You, my reaction:   What have you been doing up until now? 

 Can I Be Honest With You? Nah Lie Like You Usually Do!

Family, Fun and Food on Friday the 13TH

 Family, Fun and Food on Friday the 13TH

It was a family get together to share good times with Elliott and Linda Puretz who came into Baltimore from Boston. Even though it is Friday the 13th, no one in this group has 'friggatriskaidekaphobia'

Mari Luna was filled to overflowing with loud noisy happy customers. (Many people who have friggatriskaidekaphobia are not able to go out on this day).

You can walk to my new listing just a couple of blocks to 105 Church Lane Pikesville, MD 21208  

It was a fun evening with lot of catching up, reminiscing and sharing how everyone is related. Linda's dad, Uncle Harry Lerner, was the brother of Doris who was the mother of Herbie Glazer, Ruthie Rom and Adele Sugar. Their dad Milton Glazer (aka "PopPop to our daughter Erica)" married Lee's mom, Nellie Rome. But most of the relatives tonight were Belmans.  Did anyone follow that? 

It is much easier to follow the food so take a look.

                  

                              
                                                                 Everyone is "sort of" related.

                                      

                                      
                                      
                                      

                                      

                                      

                                      

Family, Fun and Food on Friday the 13TH